In what was thought to be a done deal however the sale of the Tote to UK bookmaker, Betfred, is now in question after reports the UK’s Office of Fair Trading is investigating the deal.

The £265m deal will see Betfred increase the number of licensed betting shops in the UK to 1350, however it would also see a “substantial lessening of competition”. The Tote includes a monopoly on pool betting at 60 racecourses in the UK and 517 betting shops.

Betfred had hoped that by purchasing the Tote that it could become a major player in the industry alongside the likes of Ladbrokes and William Hill.

The OFT may decide to refer the matter to the Competition Commission which would if nothing else deal the deal and may result in the Government having to review its plans.

It is not know why the OFT has decided to look into the matter as even after the deal, Betfred would still have less shops than William Hill or Ladbrokes which both have more than 2,000 betting shops.

Back in 2005 when William Hill purchased 624 betting shops from Stanleybet from £504m it was given the option to sell off 78 of the premises in order to avoid the OFT from referring the matter to the Competition Commission.